ATLANTA – Andrelton Simmons’ two-run single in a three-run fourth inning helped the streaking Braves beat Daisuke Matsuzaka and the New York Mets 5-4 on Tuesday night.

Curtis Granderson and Daniel Murphy hit two-run homers for the Mets, who have lost three straight and six of seven.

The Braves overcame a shaky start from Mike Minor to protect their half-game lead over Washington in the NL East. Atlanta has won six straight, its longest streak of the season.

Shae Simmons (1-0) took over for Minor in the fifth and pitched 12/3 scoreless innings. Craig Kimbrel earned his 26th save by striking out Eric Young Jr., Granderson and Bobby Abreu in the ninth.

Matsuzaka (3-3) allowed five runs on seven hits and three walks in five innings. He has lost three straight starts.

On the day catcher Evan Gattis was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a bulging disk in his back, robbing the team of one of its top power hitters, the Braves found other ways to score.

With the score tied 2-2 in the fourth, the Braves staged an improbable three-run inning. Chris Johnson reached on only his eighth walk of the season. With two outs, Johnson scored from second on Minor’s single to center — only his second RBI of the season. Following a single and stolen base by B.J. Upton, Andrelton Simmons’ two-run single to left off Matsuzaka increased Atlanta’s lead to 5-2.

Minor quickly gave back two runs in the fifth on Murphy’s two-run homer. Minor then gave up singles to Eric Campbell and Lucas Duda before being bailed out by rookie Shae Simmons, whose sidearm delivery produced a fly ball from Chris Young and a strikeout of Travis d’Arnaud.

Minor lasted 41/3 innings, matching his shortest start of the season, and allowed four runs on nine hits and one walk. His he has made eight starts since his last win on May 19.